NEW YORK (PIX11) – When it comes to the Roosevelt Island tram, it’s a battle of the tourists versus the local residents.
And to some residents, the tourists are winning.
To many, it’s one of the best-kept secrets in New York City.
For the swipe of a MetroCard, you can ride the Roosevelt Island Tram from 6 AM to the wee hours of the morning seven days a week.
It’s the only aerial tramway in the busiest city in the world, and it has exploded on social media in the past few years, so tourists can’t wait to jump on board and take videos of the view.
And Roosevelt Island residents are fed up.
“They are taking over the trams. I hate it and most people hate it,” Magella Samory, a Roosevelt Island resident, told PIX11 News.
“I am in a Roosevelt Island mothers’ group, and we will talk about how they’re so rude.” she added.
Another Roosevelt Island resident agreed. Joan Ogden told PIX11 News, “ I blame social media.”
For the more than 11,000 people who live on Roosevelt Island, this crush of tourists packing their tram during peak times and holidays is destroying their quality of life.
Some tourists even agree that changes could be made.
“In Ireland, we have islands like this, and the priority is always residents first, and then the tourists get on the boat,” Tourist Noel Fehily, from Dublin, told PIX11 News.
And while the lines weren’t particularly long this Friday night, they have been in the past, according to Roosevelt Island resident Paul Krikler. “We’ve had many months until recently when there have been lines going to 59th St. for many hours a day,” Krikler said.
A group of Roosevelt Island residents led by Paul Krikler will hold a rally on Sunday to promote priority boarding for residents and workers, something the state-run agency, the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation, says is not legally possible.
“We believe the creation of either a priority line or a reduced fare for residents would violate state law. Common carriers are prohibited by law from discriminating against people based on their residency.”
But Krikler is hoping the laws can be changed.
“The person who can fix this is Governor Kathy Hochul with an executive order, “ Krikler said.
Expected to be attending Sunday’s rally are City Council member Julie Menin and Mayoral candidate Scott Stringer.
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